To Make a Better World

How do we build a better society, a better world? Here is one prescription for a better world.

E-mails come in nearly every day, and some come with special requests. A while back, one such person wrote, “I’ve been reading your words lately as you talk about raising kids and dealing with conflict and adversity, and the importance of self-respect and self-esteem. Now, would you please talk about how we can build a better world?”

Lou Tice was always glad to answer this question. In fact, for most of his career, he had been talking about it all along. And he was correct when he said, if we want a world with more intelligence, more clear thinking and honesty, more goodwill and brotherhood, what we need to do is cultivate these qualities in ourselves first.

There is a natural progression in social advancement from the individual to the family, then out to the community, the nation and the world. The line of progress can move in no other direction. Every time we show tolerance and understanding, all of us live in a more tolerant world.

Every time you do something for no other reason than to lighten the load another person is carrying, you improve at least two lives – yours and theirs. Every time you reach out to help someone in need or show kindness to another, with no thought of personal gain, you improve the quality of society in general.

Every time you grow as a person, as a parent, as a co-worker, as a human being in community with others around you, you change the delicate balance of life on earth.

The most important thing you can do, to make a better world, is make a better you – and there is no time like the present. There is no line, no queue, no waiting. Start today!